Design and implementation of ergonomic trolleys

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 57 views

The trolley design is emphasized at the bread printing station with an ergonomic approach to UKM Light Bakery

Introduction

UKM Cahaya Bakery, a renowned bread making business in Medan, has been a staple in the industry since its founding in 1981 by Mr. Amir. As a business unit engaged in the field of bread manufacturing, Cahaya Bakery operates on an "Assemble to Order" basis, catering to customer demands. However, the process of printing bread, which is still carried out manually by operators, has resulted in various health complaints, particularly back, waist, and arm pain. This article aims to discuss the importance of ergonomic design in the bread printing station, with a focus on the trolley design, to create a healthier and safer work environment for UKM Light Bakery employees.

The Problem of Manual Bread Printing

The process of printing bread at UKM Cahaya Bakery is a labor-intensive task that requires operators to stand for 8 hours a day. This prolonged standing has led to a range of health complaints, including back pain (6.52%), waist pain (6.52%), and pain in the hands (4.35% each). Biomechanical assessment reveals that the force exerted on the operator's body (FC) is far above the safe threshold, with values of 6783.55 N in initial conditions and 7417.29 N in the final condition, both of which are categorized as dangerous according to the Niosh standard.

The Need for Ergonomic Facilities

To overcome this problem, it is essential to provide more ergonomic facilities, one of which is the design of a trolley that is tailored to the size and needs of the operator. The specifications of the designed trolley are 100.52 cm high, 90 cm long, with a handle diameter of 3.84 cm, and a baking sheet size of 87 x 43 cm. This design is expected to ease the workload of operators and minimize their complaints.

The Benefits of Ergonomic Trolley Design

The application of an ergonomic trolley design will not only increase the work comfort of the operator but also has the potential to reduce the risk of work accidents that can occur due to non-ergonomic postures. This, in turn, can increase productivity and job satisfaction, and have a positive impact on the continuity of the UKM Light Bakery business.

Implementation and Measurement

The implementation of this design must be supported by accurate measurements and adjustments based on anthropometric principles, so that the trolley is completely in accordance with the dimensions and physical needs of the operators. With this approach, it is expected that UKM Light Bakery can create a healthier and safer work environment for all employees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the design of an ergonomic trolley is crucial in creating a healthier and safer work environment for UKM Light Bakery employees. By providing a trolley that is tailored to the size and needs of the operator, the workload of operators can be eased, and their complaints minimized. The implementation of this design must be supported by accurate measurements and adjustments based on anthropometric principles, ensuring that the trolley is completely in accordance with the dimensions and physical needs of the operators.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Design and implementation of ergonomic trolleys: The design and implementation of ergonomic trolleys should be a priority for UKM Light Bakery to create a healthier and safer work environment for all employees.
Anthropometric measurements: Accurate anthropometric measurements and adjustments should be made to ensure that the trolley is completely in accordance with the dimensions and physical needs of the operators.
Training and education: Training and education programs should be implemented to educate operators on the proper use of the ergonomic trolley and the importance of maintaining a healthy and safe work environment.
Regular monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the trolley design and its impact on operator health and safety should be conducted to ensure that the design is effective and meets the needs of the operators.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions should focus on the following areas:

Ergonomic design of other equipment: The ergonomic design of other equipment, such as ovens and mixers, should be explored to create a healthier and safer work environment for all employees.
Operator training and education: The development of training and education programs to educate operators on the proper use of ergonomic equipment and the importance of maintaining a healthy and safe work environment should be a priority.
Regular monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the ergonomic design and its impact on operator health and safety should be conducted to ensure that the design is effective and meets the needs of the operators.

Conclusion

Q: What is the main purpose of designing an ergonomic trolley for UKM Light Bakery?

A: The main purpose of designing an ergonomic trolley for UKM Light Bakery is to create a healthier and safer work environment for all employees by reducing the risk of work accidents and improving productivity and job satisfaction.

Q: What are the benefits of using an ergonomic trolley in the bread printing station?

A: The benefits of using an ergonomic trolley in the bread printing station include:

Reduced risk of work accidents due to non-ergonomic postures
Increased work comfort for operators
Improved productivity and job satisfaction
Positive impact on the continuity of the UKM Light Bakery business

Q: What are the specifications of the designed trolley?

A: The specifications of the designed trolley are:

Height: 100.52 cm
Length: 90 cm
Handle diameter: 3.84 cm
Baking sheet size: 87 x 43 cm

Q: How was the design of the trolley determined?

A: The design of the trolley was determined through analysis using the SNQ (Stress and Noise Questionnaire) method and biomechanical approach and anthropometry.

Q: What is the importance of anthropometric measurements in the design of the trolley?

A: Anthropometric measurements are essential in the design of the trolley to ensure that it is completely in accordance with the dimensions and physical needs of the operators.

Q: How can the implementation of the ergonomic trolley design be supported?

A: The implementation of the ergonomic trolley design can be supported by:

Accurate measurements and adjustments based on anthropometric principles
Training and education programs to educate operators on the proper use of the ergonomic trolley
Regular monitoring and evaluation of the trolley design and its impact on operator health and safety

Q: What are the future research directions for ergonomic design in UKM Light Bakery?

A: Future research directions for ergonomic design in UKM Light Bakery should focus on:

Ergonomic design of other equipment, such as ovens and mixers
Operator training and education
Regular monitoring and evaluation of the ergonomic design and its impact on operator health and safety

Q: How can the ergonomic trolley design be beneficial for the UKM Light Bakery business?

A: The ergonomic trolley design can be beneficial for the UKM Light Bakery business by:

Increasing productivity and job satisfaction
Reducing the risk of work accidents and improving employee health and safety
Creating a positive impact on the continuity of the business

Q: What are the potential risks of not implementing an ergonomic trolley design?

A: The potential risks of not implementing an ergonomic trolley design include:

Increased risk of work accidents and injuries
Decreased productivity and job satisfaction
Negative impact on the continuity of the business

Q: How can the UKM Light Bakery management support the implementation of the ergonomic trolley design?

A: The UKM Light Bakery management can support the implementation of the ergonomic trolley design by:

Providing resources and funding for the design and implementation of the trolley
Encouraging and supporting the use of the ergonomic trolley by operators
Regularly monitoring and evaluating the impact of the ergonomic trolley design on operator health and safety